The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is the most commonly utilized instrument to index bulbar function in both clinical and research settings. We therefore aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and swallowing item to detect radiographically confirmed impairments in swallowing safety (penetration or aspiration) and global pharyngeal swallowing function in individuals with ALS. Methods Two-hundred and one individuals with ALS completed the ALSFRS-R and the gold standard videofluoroscopic swallowing exam (VFSE). Validated outcomes including the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) were assessed in duplicate by independent and blinded raters. Receiver operator characteristic curve analyses were performed to assess accuracy of the ALSFRS-R bulbar subscale and swallowing item to detect radiographically confirmed unsafe swallowing (PAS > 3) and global pharyngeal dysphagia (DIGEST >1). Results Although below acceptable screening tool criterion, a score of � 3 on the ALSFRS-R swallowing item optimized classification accuracy to detect global pharyngeal dysphagia (

No abstract

This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Objectives: Swallow and cough dysfunction are possible surgical complications of lung transplantation (LT). We examined voluntary cough strength, sensorimotor reflexive cough integrity, and swallow-related respiratory rate (RR) across swallowing safety and aspiration response groups in recovering LT recipients.Methods: Forty-five LT recipients underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing indexed by the validated Penetration Aspiration Scale. RR before and after a 3-ounce water drinking task was measured. Voluntary and reflexive cough screening were performed to index motor and sensory outcomes. T-tests, one-way ANOVAs, and chi-square (odds ratios) were used.Results: 60% of patients exhibited laryngeal penetration (n = 27) and 40% demonstrated tracheal aspiration (n = 18); 72% (n = 13) demonstrated silent aspiration.